What happens to a New York lease if the property is foreclosed?
The federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA), reinstated in 2018, gives most New York tenants in a foreclosure scenario the right to either complete the existing lease term (if the new owner is not an owner-occupant) or 90 days notice to vacate, whichever is longer. The lease does not automatically terminate at foreclosure. State law in New York may give additional protections beyond the PTFA. The new owner must serve a written notice to the tenant identifying themselves, the new ownership, and the rent payment instructions. A tenant who keeps paying rent to the original landlord after foreclosure may be charged twice; switch payment to the new owner once notified. If the tenant was paying rent in advance to the original landlord, demand a credit from the new owner for the unused portion.
Source: 12 USC 5220 (PTFA); New York landlord-tenant code
This is an informational answer based on 12 USC 5220 (PTFA); New York landlord-tenant code as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a New York-licensed attorney.